What is the RSV vaccine for older adults?

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RSV - respiratory syncytial virus - is known as a baby virus, but in older adults it is a serious one: it sends tens of thousands of Americans over 65 to the hospital each year, and it worsens heart failure, COPD, and asthma. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine as a single dose for everyone 75 and older, and for adults 60 to 74 at increased risk - chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, diabetes complications, and nursing home residents. It is a one-time shot for now, not an annual one, and it cuts the risk of severe lung infection substantially.

Practical points: the vaccine is given any time of year, though late summer and early fall before RSV season is the common advice; it can be given at the same visit as the flu or COVID shot; and side effects are the usual mild ones - sore arm, fatigue, a day of achiness. A rare nerve condition called Guillain-Barre was reported in a small number of recipients, which is part of why the recommendation targets the ages and risk groups where the benefit clearly outweighs it - worth discussing with the provider for the 60-74 group.

The parent fit: a parent over 75 gets it on the schedule; a parent 60-74 with heart failure, COPD, diabetes, or immune compromise gets it on the risk basis. Healthy and under 60: not yet recommended.

Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. Share your parent's age and conditions, and it can help you time the shot.

What is the RSV vaccine for older adults?

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